Tesla

It’s hard not to associate the term "electric car" with the name Tesla. The American automaker owned by multi-billionaire Elon Musk sells some of the most popular plug-in electric vehicles around the world. Cars aren’t the only thing coming out of Tesla, as the company also has a comprehensive high-speed charging network and home energy storage solutions. Tesla was founded back in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, though since then the names associated with the company’s founding extended to include Elon Musk, Ian Wright and J.B. Straubel. These days it’s hard to imagine the company without thinking of its eccentric owner, Musk.

In 2008, the automaker introduced its first model, the Tesla Roadster. Loosely based on a Lotus Elise, the Roadster featured a 53kWh battery along with a 248-hp motor to deliver over 320 km of range. That might sound normal now, but back in 2008, that was next level!

Only 2,500 Tesla Roadsters were sold, but it led to the brand’s first mass-produced vehicle, the Tesla Model S. Introduced in 2012, the Model S is still on sale today using much of the same interior and exterior design. A flagship luxury sedan, the Model S helped show the world that EVs can be cool, premium and desirable. In 2015, the automaker introduced the larger, more family-friendly, three-row Model X crossover. The Model S and Model X were building significant buzz around Tesla, but the more affordable Model 3 pushed the brand over the top and quickly became the brand’s best-selling product and even one of the most popular EVs in the world. The smaller sedan built up an ever bigger following for the brand around the world, and eventually led to the Model Y crossover. In the next few years expect the Cybertruck and an all-new Roadster. All North American Tesla models are produced in the U.S.

Tesla Cars

The Tesla Model S starts at $122,990 for the Dual Motor AWD variant that delivers 652 km of range. Shoppers can also opt for the $149,990 Tri-motor AWD Tesla Model S Plaid that features 1,020 hp and can sprintfrom 0-100 km/h in about two seconds.

The Model 3 is an entry-level sport sedan that starts at $54,990 for the standard range rear-wheel-drive version. This trim is rated for 438 km of range, but shoppers can upgrade to the $72,990 Performance model that earns 507 km of range and can blast off from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

SUVs and Crossovers

The large Model X starts at $142,990 for the Dual Motor AWD model. This version features 560 km of range and can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.2 seconds. Shoppers can also choose between a seven or five-passenger version of the Model X. Those in need of more power can get the Tri-motor Plaid version that costs $156,990 and packs 1,020 hp and can travel 536 km on a single charge.

Shoppers can opt for a Model Y instead, which is based on the Model 3. This crossover starts at $69,990 for the Dual Motor AWD Long Range version, which manages 531 km of range on a single charge, and can be configured with five or seven passengers. There’s also the $75,990 Model Y Dual Motor AWD Performance, which trades off range for more power. This version features 488 km of range but a whopping 420 horsepower.

Tesla Reliability

According to the latest Consumer Reports rankings, the American electric car manufacturer is placed 14th in the list of most reliable car manufacturers. J.D. Power in its U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study says that Tesla 'is not rank eligible because it does not meet study award criteria' though does give it a score of 252 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100).